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Verified · May 2026British
Oundle, Northamptonshire, United Kingdom Boarding · Coed Ages 1118

Oundle School

Founded 1556 — co-ed boarding+day, ~1,100 pupils ages 11-18, A-Level + EPQ with one of the strongest engineering/design programmes in UK independent schools.

Founded 1556 — among the oldest English schools in continuous operation1,100 pupils, ~85% boardingCo-educational since 1990Distinguished engineering/design programme (Patrick Engineering Centre)A-Level + EPQ pathwayOxford / Cambridge / Imperial destinations
Ages
11–18
Format
Boarding
Tuition
$50,000 – $78,000
Deadline
11+ / 13+ entry tests; 16+ Sixth Form entry by October

AI Fit Summary

Match score
91
Updated based on a sample Student Fit Profile.

Why this school may fit your child: Oundle School pairs a British / A-Level academic track with a rural campus and a 1:9 student-teacher ratio. It's a strong consideration for students drawn to Oxford / Cambridge pathways.

  • Strong fit for Oxford / Cambridge pathway
  • 1:9 ratio supports individualized attention
  • British · A-Level curriculum aligns with university aspirations
  • Mature pastoral and house structure

Academic overview

Oundle School traces to 1556, founded by Sir William Laxton through the Worshipful Company of Grocers, which still oversees the school today. About 1,100 pupils aged 11-18 across the market town of Oundle in Northamptonshire — the town and school have grown around each other. Predominantly boarding (~85%), fully co-educational since 1990. The curriculum is A-Level with strong support for the EPQ and a particularly distinguished engineering / design / technology programme via the Patrick Engineering Centre. Published 2025-26 boarding fees (inclusive of VAT): Third Form to Sixth Form (Years 9-13) £19,460 per term (~£58,380 per year), Second Form (Year 8) full/weekly £17,155 per term, 3-day boarding £13,725 per term. Class size of 16 with a 1:9 student-teacher ratio enables tutorial-style instruction and mentor-led research projects.

Curriculum
British · A-Level
Acceptance
Highly Selective
University placement
93/100

Curriculum & subjects

MathematicsFurther MathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyEnglish LiteratureHistoryGeographyEconomicsPoliticsClassicsFrenchSpanishGermanItalianMandarinArtMusicTheatreDesign EngineeringComputer Science

Boarding life

Houses are organized around year-group cohorts with a dedicated houseparent and tutorial team. Weekend programming combines structured academic catch-up, trips into the surrounding region, and creative downtime.

University pathways

BestPeopleDo placement score
93 / 100
Counselling support
Dedicated team during application year

Placement score is BestPeopleDo's internal estimate of the school's recent university outcomes (0–100), based on publicly available data and advisor knowledge. Detailed per-cohort offer counts are confirmed during the advisor call.

Fees & scholarships

Annual tuition
$50,000 – $78,000
Application fee
$250
Scholarships
Available
Visa support
Provided

Estimate the all-in cost

Most families budget against tuition + 10–20% in living, travel and ancillary costs. Adjust the inputs to plan against scholarships, length of stay, and your home currency.

6 years
1 yr7 yrs (full programme)
0%
0%75% (rare, exceptional candidates)
+15%
Books, uniforms, trips, school-organised travel home — typically 10–20% on top of tuition.

Location

Oundle School sits in Oundle, Northamptonshire, United Kingdom — a rural campus. Tap "Request virtual tour" above to have an advisor send walkthrough video links and schedule a live tour.

Oundle, Northamptonshire, United Kingdom

Admissions process

  1. 1
    Inquiry & profile review
    We share your child's Student Fit Profile with the admissions team.
  2. 2
    Application & documents
    School-specific form, transcripts, recommendations, English test if required.
  3. 3
    Assessment
    Online interview, sample lesson, or admissions test depending on the school.
  4. 4
    Offer & enrollment
    Offer letter, contract, and visa support if needed.

Important dates

Application deadline
11+ / 13+ entry tests; 16+ Sixth Form entry by October
Next intake
September 2026

FAQ

Is Oundle School a good fit for international families?

Yes. Oundle School actively supports families relocating internationally with visa guidance, language transitions, and pastoral care designed for mobile households.

What does the typical application timeline look like?

Most families start 12–18 months before intended intake. Early application is strongly recommended for boarding.

Are scholarships available?

Yes. Merit-based and need-based scholarships are reviewed annually.

What's the average class size?

Approximately 16 students per class with a 1:9 student-teacher ratio.

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